Eyes on Jesus with Archbishop Vigneron

Latest Episodes:

Episode 46: Spirit of Cooperation Nov 17, 2023

Show notes

There can be no competition in the body of Christ because we have one Lord and one united purpose (Eph 4:1-6). This month, our Eyes on Jesus team discusses the importance of having a spirit of cooperation in pursuit of our shared mission to unleash the Gospel, while also broadening the conversation to discuss how this good habit plays into our everyday lives as people seeking to live like Christ.

0:27 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month.

0:38 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron about celebrations for his 75th birthday.

1:36 – Archbishop Vigneron shares about the violence in the Holy Land, praying for peace there, and his thoughts on leading the Archdiocese of Detroit through a time like this.

2:22 – Mary reminds us of the importance of prayer and asks Archbishop Vigneron how offering Mass and praying the Rosary can help.

3:12 – Recalling the recent ordinations of two new permanent deacons for the Archdiocese, Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to define the permanent diaconate and explain the deacon’s role in the Church.

7:46 – Archbishop Vigneron shares plans for the ministry of Bishop Monforton, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s newest auxiliary bishop.

9:28 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, the spirit of cooperation, one of the good habits Archbishop Vigneron wrote about in Unleash the Gospel (in addition to apostolic boldness, docility to the Holy Spirit, confidence in God, and an attitude of gratitude).

10:19 – Archbishop Vigneron shares an overview of what it means to have a spirit of cooperation within the Church.

11:21 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to talk about some of the obstacles people face when trying to embrace a spirit of cooperation.

14:36 – Mary and Archbishop Vigneron discuss examples of cooperation given to us by God, including the Holy Trinity, Jesus and Mary, and God giving us grace to be co-agents in His work of salvation.

16:56 – Archbishop Vigneron reflects on how he’s seen a spirit of cooperation embraced in the Archdiocese of Detroit since Synod 16, particularly through Families of Parishes.

19:51 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to share additional examples of a spirit of cooperation from Scripture and Church history.

22:06 – Archbishop Vigneron and Mary discuss how cooperation is critical to building up the domestic Church, or the family.

23:40 – Archbishop Vigneron offers the story of Adam and Eve as an example of what can happen when there’s a breakdown in cooperation.

24:43 – Mary asks Mike to share what cooperation looks like in his own Family of Parishes.

26:41 – Archbishop Vigneron shares how his ministry is helped greatly by cooperation between his brother bishops in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

29:20 – Archbishop Vigneron shares the contents of a birthday card sent to him by a kindergartener, and then answers listener questions about what brings him close to God, the cheerleaders in his life, and how the Church has changed in his lifetime.

36:30 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 45: With Eyes Fixed on Jesus: Archbishop Vigneron’s 75th birthday and episcopacy Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

As he prepares to submit his resignation to Pope Francis on his upcoming 75th birthday, as required by canon law, Archbishop Vigneron joins co-hosts Mike Chamberland and Mary Wilkerson to reflect with gratitude on the great privilege of ministering in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

0:26 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month.

0:45 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to tell listeners about Bishop Jeffrey Monforton, who Pope Francis recently named to serve the Archdiocese of Detroit as an auxiliary bishop, and what gifts he’ll bring to our local Church.

2:21 – Mike mentions that October is Respect Life Month and asks if there’s anything Archbishop Vigneron hopes the diocese will do to mark the occasion.

5:22 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic: Archbishop Vigneron’s 75th birthday and episcopacy in the Archdiocese of Detroit. As Church law requires him—and all bishops—to submit his resignation to the Holy Father when he turns 75, this is an opportune time to reflect on his 14 years as chief shepherd in southeast Michigan.

6:16 – Archbishop Vigneron shares how he considers his ministry to be different than it was for his predecessors, and how he’s tried to ensure the fruits of Synod 16 become the touchstone for his ministry.

9:55 – Mike asks the Archbishop to share some of the most enjoyable moments of his time as Archbishop of Detroit.

13:43 – Mary asks the Archbishop about the importance of his bond with his brother priests, some of whom he’s known since he was a young boy.

18:08 – Mike asks the Archbishop what message he would like to share with the laity who served alongside him as coworkers in mission.

21:03 – Mary asks the Archbishop to reflect on how the Archdiocese of Detroit has embraced the Holy Spirit’s call to unleash the Gospel.

23:11 – Mike asks the Archbishop about some of the more challenging experiences of his time as Archbishop of Detroit.

25:46 – Archbishop Vigneron shares how he’ll celebrate his birthday.

26:07 – Mike asks the Archbishop how he stays focused on mission while not knowing when his resignation could be accepted by the Holy Father.

32:03 – Mike asks the Archbishop about his episcopal motto, With Eyes Fixed on Jesus, and how it has served as a guide during his ministry.

35:11 – The Archbishop answers listener questions, including why God made us, what profession he might have pursued if not called to the priesthood, and if he has any family members serving in the Church.

37:44 – Archbishop Vigneron closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 44: Blessed Solanus Casey Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

This month, our Eyes on Jesus cohosts discuss the life and ministry of Bl. Solanus Casey, a beloved Capuchin priest, clear witness to the providential love of God, and potential saint of the Church who reminds us to “thank God ahead of time” for the many graces in our lives.

0:27 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month.

1:22 – Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the Missionary Renewal Assembly, a late-June event for clergy and parish leaders that was a time of formation and renewal.

2:30 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about the experience of consecrating the new Bishop of Kalamazoo, Bishop Edward M. Lohse.

6:19 – Archbishop Vigneron reflects on the few days in August he spent on retreat with seminarians and, specifically, what encouragement he shared with them.

8:05 – In discussing the recent Feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta, Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to speak a little about the community of the Missionaries of Charity, established in Detroit by Mother Teresa in 1979.

10:15 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, Blessed Solanus Casey. She asks Archbishop Vigneron to provide a brief biography of the beloved Capuchin priest.

13:33 – Archbishop Vigneron shares the role the Blessed Virgin Mary played in bringing Blessed Solanus to Detroit.

15:45 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about the impact Blessed Solanus had in southeast Michigan.

22:48 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron to talk about why, in Unleash the Gospel, he refers to Blessed Solanus as a particular companion and intercessor for our local Church during this time of missionary transformation.

24:16 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron about his own personal devotion to Blessed Solanus and how Blessed Solanus’ instruction to “thank God ahead of time” has taken root in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

27:29 – Archbishop Vigneron summarizes the canonization process for Blessed Solanus.

30:41 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron about the beatification Mass for Blessed Solanus.

31:49 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about the relics of Blessed Solanus that were collected before the beatification.

35:18 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike discuss the possibility of Blessed Solanus’ canonization.

39:02 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions, including Church teaching he finds difficult to understand, the story of Adam and Eve, and where he would live if he could choose anyplace in the world.

44:29 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 43: The Universal Call To Holiness Jul 19, 2023

Show notes

The Universal Call to Holiness is our “first vocation,” our invitation to share in God’s holiness as his beloved sons and daughters. For this month’s EOJ, we discuss the origins of this teaching and explore how to recognize opportunities for holiness in our daily lives.

0:26 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the previous month.

1:03 – Mary asks the Archbishop about what inspired the decision to hold the Missionary Renewal Assembly, a gathering held June 27-29 for priests and lay leaders serving in Families of Parishes to come together, pray, and recommit themselves to our missionary identity.

5:08 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, the Universal Call to Holiness, and asks the Archbishop Vigneron to explain where this teaching comes from.

7:44 – The Archbishop explains that while every person is called to holiness, that holiness will look different for each person.

12:27 – The Archbishop emphasizes that this call to holiness is about more than just our relationship with God; it’s about how we fulfill our mission and how we serve others.

16:52 – Mary asks the Archbishop to explain some of the key points in Pope Francis’ 2018 Apostolic Exhortation Gaudate et exsultate (Rejoice and be glad), especially the Holy Father’s statement that we must repurpose the call to holiness in a practical way for our own time with all the risks, challenges, and opportunities.

19:32 – Mike asks the Archbishop what he thinks are some of the challenges facing the clergy and laity today.

25:34 – The Archbishop explains how the Beatitudes relate to holiness and how we can use them as guides for living.

32:51 – Mary asks the Archbishop what advice he would give to someone who is struggling to see opportunities for holiness in their life.

37:10 – The Archbishop answers listener questions, including which sacrament makes him feel closest to God, his favorite and least favorite parts of being an Archbishop, and whether God knows everything about us.

42:42 – The Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 42: The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

The Mass is our most important prayer to God and his greatest gift to us. This month on EOJ, we talk about what happens at Mass and give thanks to God that Christ is as present with us today as he was more than 2,000 years ago.

0:27 – Archbishop Vigneron and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past few weeks. Archbishop recalls the June 5 anniversary of his learning that Pope John Paul II had selected him to become a bishop.

1:33 – Mike introduces guest host Nicole Joyce; Nicole introduces herself and shares about the podcast she hosts, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s “Beyond Sunday,” with weekly episodes about how parents can be more intentional in recognizing God at work in their lives, and how families can go deeper into our relationship with him.

4:02 – Nicole asks Archbishop to reflect on the recent ordination of five new priests for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

5:52 – Archbishop explains the process by which priest assignments are determined.

9:11 – Archbishop shares some of his thoughts as the Archdiocese of Detroit marks the conclusion of its Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations.

11:58 – Nicole asks Archbishop to share some thoughts on this year’s Archbishop’s Gala, the major annual fundraising event that helps support our seminarians and the ministry of Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

15:15 – Mike introduces this month’s main topic, the Mass, by asking Archbishop how the laity should approach their own participation at Mass.

21:27 – Nicole asks Archbishop for advice or encouragement he has for parents as they work to help keep their young children engaged in the Mass.

24:27 – Archbishop asks Mike to share some insight about how to keep middle school-aged children engaged.

27:29 – Mike asks Archbishop to give a brief overview of the different parts of the Mass, including the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.

39:11 – Archbishop shares some of what he finds most powerful about celebrating Mass.

40:25 – Archbishop answers listener questions, including why he thinks teens sometimes stop attending Mass, how he’d describe Catholicism to someone new, and about his time serving as an altar boy.

47:02 – Archbishop shares his prayer intentions and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 41: Living Acts 29 May 17, 2023

Show notes

The Acts of the Apostles book of the Bible ends in chapter 28 with Paul under house arrest in Rome, still boldly preaching the Gospel. This month, our Eyes on Jesus cohosts discuss how we are living Acts 29, the unwritten chapter that brings the mission of the Apostles into the present day.

0:27 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month.

1:17 – Mike asks Archbishop about sharing his testimony on Eucharistic adoration for the I AM HERE campaign.

3:13 – Mary asks Archbishop to share his thoughts on the Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations, the five priestly ordinations happening later this month, and the six men recently ordained as transitional deacons.

5:45 – Archbishop looks forward to his upcoming pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Knights and Dames of Malta.

6:29 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, living Acts 29, the idea that the Acts of the Apostles did not conclude with Chapter 28 of that book of the Bible. Instead, all the faithful are called to continue the mission of the Apostles.

23:51 – Mary asks Archbishop to share some of the ways the Archdiocese of Detroit is living Acts 29.

29:48 – Mike and Mary reflect on how they see Acts 29 alive in their work and lives.

34:22 – Archbishop Vigneron answers listener questions from Catholic school students, including the difference between mortal and venial sins, experiencing miracles, and the Archbishop’s childhood parishes.

40:30 – Archbishop Vigneron shares his intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 40: The Sacrament of Confirmation Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron and our co-hosts explore the Sacrament of Confirmation, through which the faithful are sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and commissioned as ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.

0:28 — Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month, including Holy Week and Easter.

1:21 — Archbishop Vigneron shares some words of encouragement for those who entered the Church at Easter.

1:59 – Mary asks Archbishop to reflect on two recent opportunities he had to spend time with men discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

5:36 – Mary introduces this month’s topic, the Sacrament of Confirmation, by asking Archbishop to provide a short overview of the purpose of the sacrament and what happens when someone is confirmed.

10:12 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron if there’s a particular gift of the Holy Spirit that has been especially helpful to him throughout his life.

12:03 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about how receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation can change a person’s relationship with God and with the Church.

15:24 – Archbishop Vigneron speaks about the Biblical basis for confirmation and the lessons we can learn from the activity of the Apostles and the early Church.

18:54 – Mike asks Archbishop to speak about Holy Oils and the role they play in the Sacrament of Confirmation and the life of the Church.

21:58 – Mary asks Archbishop to explain two traditions: confirmation as an early teenager in the Western church and confirmation as an infant in the Eastern church.

24:19 – Archbishop, Mary, and Mike continue their discussion on differing traditions, particularly at what age and in which order the Sacraments of Initiation are received.

30:59 – Archbishop offers a few words of advice for those preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

36:16 – Our listeners’ questions segment returns this month, featuring students from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Archbishop Vigneron answers questions about receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit at confirmation, people he looks up to, and the lifelong impact of his Catholic school education.

41:47 – Archbishop Vigneron closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 39: The Sacrament of Baptism Mar 15, 2023

Show notes

Our Eyes on Jesus cohosts discuss the Sacrament of Baptism: what happens during the rite, how it effects the soul of the baptized, and how it serves as a “doorway” through which we become disciples of Christ and receive access to the other sacraments and all the graces that flow from them.

0:16 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other.

1:18 – The cohosts catch up on the month since our last episode. Mike asks the Archbishop if there’s a particular Lent that is especially memorable for him.

1:54 – Mary asks the Archbishop if he has any advice for Catholics about how to respond to the recent shootings at Michigan State University.

5:03 – The Archbishop explains the Rite of Election, an important step for those coming into the Church as adults at the Easter Vigil.

10:03 – Mike reflects on his experience of the Rite of Election as a catechist this year.

12:47 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic, the Sacrament of Baptism. She asks the Archbishop to give a brief overview of this sacrament—both the actions and the effects of the sacrament on the soul of the baptized.

19:56 – Mike and the Archbishop discuss Pope Francis’ analogy of baptism as a doorway through which we access the other sacraments.

22:04 – The Archbishop explains why, in contrast to some other Christian denominations, the Catholic Church chooses to baptize infants.

24:17 – Mary asks the Archbishop about some of the differences between the Western and Eastern churches with respect to the ordering of the sacraments of initiation (baptism, communion, confirmation).

27:02 – The Archbishop explains that ordinarily, bishops, priests, and deacons are the ministers of baptism. However, in emergency situations, anyone (even the non-baptized) can baptize, as long as they intend to do what the Church intends, they use water to baptize, and they say the proper words of baptism.

29:28 – The Archbishop shares what some theologians teach about what may happen to those who die not having been baptized.

32:16 – The Archbishop shares his own experience baptizing individuals.

39:37 – The Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 38: Living Lent Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

Lent is traditionally a time for Catholics to devote more time to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This month, our Eyes on Jesus co-hosts discuss how to “live Lent” in a deeper way and reflect on God’s power to use our sin to help us grow in holiness.

0:25 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month.

1:25 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron to reflect on the day he was installed as Archbishop of Detroit, January 28, 2009.

3:20 – Archbishop talks about the highlights of his time as Archbishop of Detroit, most especially Synod 16

4:10 – Having recently helped Guardian Angels Parish celebrate their 100th anniversary, Archbishop Vigneron speaks about how, when he visits parishes for significant anniversaries, he uses the opportunity to inspire the parish to give thanks to God for the graces bestowed on the parish in the years since their founding.

7:12 – Mary asks Archbishop what he most looks forward to about Catholic Schools Week, which was celebrated the first week of February. She also asks him to share a little of his preaching from Catholic Schools Week Mass.

11:17 – Archbishop Vigneron provides a brief summary of the season of Lent: What it is, why the Church celebrates it, and how Catholics can use it to prepare for the coming of the Lord at Easter.

13:20 – Mike asks Archbishop to speak about how God can use our sin, especially when we make a good confession, to transform us and lead us to become holier.

15:56 – Mary asks Archbishop Vigneron for some advice on making a good examination of conscience, one that gets at those interior sins that pull us away from God.

19:55 – Mary, Mike, and Archbishop reflect on the graces that come from the sacrament of confession and how they’ve experienced those graces in their own lives.

22:50 – Archbishop gives advice for how families, especially, can go deeper into the Lenten practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

27:55 – Archbishop Vigneron shares a brief explanation of the Stational Mass he’ll celebrate at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on February 26.

30:20 – Mary asks Archbishop to explain the Church’s liturgical calendar—what it is, why we have it, and how we can use it in our lives.

44:25 – Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a prayer and blessing.

Episode 37: Mission Priorities Jan 18, 2023

Show notes

Archbishop Vigneron discusses the “mission priorities” for the remainder of his episcopacy: Families of Parishes, Catholic schools, communications, and priestly vocations.

0:17 – Archbishop Vigneron, Mary, and Mike greet each other and catch up on the past month.

1:05 – Mike asks Archbishop Vigneron if he’s made any New Year’s Resolutions for 2023.

2:50 – Mary asks Archbishop to reflect on Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in the wake of his December 31 death.

7:32 – Archbishop Vigneron talks about his experiences meeting Pope Benedict XVI, both before and during his papacy.

8:44 – Mary introduces this month’s main topic: Archbishop Vigneron’s upcoming 75th birthday, the Church law requirement that he submit his resignation to the Holy Father at that time, and the Archbishop’s mission priorities for the remainder of his time as Archbishop of Detroit.

15:19 – Mike asks Archbishop to provide a fuller explanation about the Families of Parishes mission priority.

21:02 – Mary asks Archbishop to share a little more about the Catholic Schools mission priority.

24:36 – Archbishop discusses the Communications mission priority.

28:47 – Archbishop discusses the Priestly Vocations mission priority.

31:32 – Mary asks Archbishop to discuss the strategies through which these mission priorities will be advanced.

40:57 – Archbishop shares some thoughts about how the faithful can support these mission priorities.

44:52 – Archbishop shares his prayer intentions for the month and closes the episode with a blessing.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Eyes on Jesus with Archbishop Vigneron

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected